- Kimani has grown within the entity's life and systems, having joined as an intern.
- She holds a first class Bachelor in Economics from Egerton University.
Image: COURTESY
Kenya-grown boutique firm Avlc group has picked Sheila Kimani as the Head of Business and Operations as part of its expansion plans strategy.
The boutique finance entity in its long-term plan to stamp authority in the East African market has been on a positive trajectory and Kimani’s appointment will enhance the expansion plans.
Kimani has grown within the entity's life and systems, having joined as an intern.
She holds a first-class Bachelor in Economics from Egerton University.
Her vast experience in matters of economics and finance has been helpful in the firm's stability and dominance in the market.
She has previously run personal businesses in South Africa and even served as a consultant in one of the subsidiary consulting projects, Tembea Tujenge Kenya which revolutionized the domestic tourism sector in Kenya.
The firm's CEO, Andrew Kanyutu has hailed Sheila's appointment and he’s optimistic she will deliver in her new role.
"We had to look for someone who understands the vision and can easily come up with customized operation models and ease the pressure on the director," he said.
Image: HANDOUT
Kanyutu added there are more internal alignments expected at the firm coupled with external talent recruitment which will ensure the long-term sustainability of the business model.
"Due to the expansion plans in the next 5 years, the group needed an insider who appreciates the journey and vision of the founders to allow setting sustainable systems and structures both for business and operations," Benson Macharia, a finance consultant said.
The appointment comes as the boutique finance entity is weathering off past business challenges in its Kenya operations as well as SADC primarily Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The firm has established itself as a reliable financial partner and has worked with banks and other financial institutions for compliance and regulatory purposes targeting SMEs and corporates.
With its regional penetration in Rwanda and Uganda markets with project arrangement and finance structure, it has managed to reignite the vision and stabilized its balance sheet which had been eroded by legacy debts with minimal growth.
The situation has changed and the firm has been on an upward trajectory on the Non-Funded Income and other fees.
The target of consultancy and advisory services has managed to improve the cash flows to shed off old debts as well as set sustainable systems and structures.
The positive trend has enabled it to utilize the industry experience and network, which is bearing fruits.
One of its recent positive projects is the housing project structure in Kigali estimated at USD50 million as the lead arranger enabling a successful conclusion.
The housing model created has enabled it to attract more business. The firm's finance model has been appreciated by industry players who have outlined its creativity and decision-making prowess.
"Investors coming to the region are looking for such solutions which have practical analysis and are easy to work with" Edward Oketch, a housing and planning expert said.
The firm's operations from its inception in 2009 have remained consistent with the founder's admirable vision.
Carol Wangui who has been handling administration at Avlc Group has been elevated to finance and forex consultancy which is a new line being explored by the group at the Global level.
The firm has operated in the SADC region in remittance in partnership with Telcos and other regulated entities and is looking at creating a proper model through strategic partnerships with regulated players.